ShirkShirk The Greatest Sin!The Greatest Sin!

Meaning of Shirk:Meaning of Shirk:

- The famous Arabic linguist Ibn Faaris defines it as ‘…to add or append, not being single or one.’

- Ar-Raaghib al-Asbahani (d. 425 AH) said “Shirk is defined as affirming partners with Allaah.”

- Ibn Mas’ood asked the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) “What is the greatest sin?” he replied “To take alongside Allaah a partner (nidd)

even though it was He that created you.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Incorrect Definitions of ShirkIncorrect Definitions of Shirk

“…The belief that other than Allaah has full power…”

“…to believe that an entity is a lord besides Allaah…”

“…to believe that there is a creator besides Allaah…”

The above definitions would mean that the mushrikeen who the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) was sent to did not commit shirk!

“We only worship them in order that they bring us closer to Allaah in

ranks”

{az-Zumar (39): 3}

“And they worship other than Allaah that which neither harms them nor benefits them, and they say, ‘These are our intercessors with Allaah’”

{Yoonus (10): 18}

Definition of an ‘ilah’Definition of an ‘ilah’

• Ibn Abbaas said ‘…one whom everything turns to, and is worshiped.’

• The mufassir ar-Raghib al-Asbahani said ‘Ilah is a name given to every object that is worshipped.’

• The famous lexicographer of Arabic, Ibn Manzoor said ‘…any object that is taken as an object of worship.’

• Al-Fayroozabadi: ‘every object that is worshipped is an ilah for the one that worships it.’

Important pointsImportant points

• The jaahiliyyah Arabs believed in Allaah, and that He created everything, and gives life and death, yet this did not cause them to enter Islaam.

• The people whom the prophet was sent to worshipped different objects. Some worshipped idols and stones, whereas others worshipped angels and prophets. Yet the Prophet did not distinguish between these people and considered them all equal in their disbelief.

• The reason these people worshipped other objects was that they desired these objects to intercede on their behalves with Allaah. They said that they have a high status and thus, by pleasing them, they would in turn please Allaah.

• The Prophet was sent to mankind in order that people worship Allaah alone. He was not sent so that he be worshipped besides Allaah, or that people turn to saints and graves in order that they be venerated.

The Prophet’s Stance on The Prophet’s Stance on ShirkShirk

• The Prophet The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)(sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) prohibited building mosques over graves, prohibited building mosques over graves, as this is one of the primary methods as this is one of the primary methods through which through which shirkshirk is sanctioned. Once is sanctioned. Once Umm Salamah mentioned the beautiful Umm Salamah mentioned the beautiful churches she had seen in Ethiopia. The churches she had seen in Ethiopia. The Prophet said, Prophet said, “whenever a pious person “whenever a pious person died amongst them, they would build died amongst them, they would build places of worship over their graves and places of worship over their graves and carve images. Such people are the worst of carve images. Such people are the worst of mankind in the sight of Allaah.”mankind in the sight of Allaah.” (Bukhari (Bukhari and Muslim)and Muslim)

•He also forbade burying the dead He also forbade burying the dead inside mosques, for it too is one of inside mosques, for it too is one of the primary ways that leads to the primary ways that leads to shirkshirk. . He prayed on his deathbed: He prayed on his deathbed: “O “O Allaah! Do not make my grave an Allaah! Do not make my grave an idol that is worshipped.”idol that is worshipped.” (Muwatta’) (Muwatta’)

•He forbade worshipping Allaah at He forbade worshipping Allaah at places where places where shirkshirk occurs. occurs.

•The Prophet also prohibited the The Prophet also prohibited the Muslims from excessively praising Muslims from excessively praising him, as this is one of the ways to him, as this is one of the ways to shirkshirk..

• He He (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)(sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) said: said: “Do not excessively praise me as the “Do not excessively praise me as the Christians did with Jesus the Son of Mary. Christians did with Jesus the Son of Mary. Rather, I am only the slave of Allaah and Rather, I am only the slave of Allaah and His messenger.”His messenger.” (Bukhari and Muslim) (Bukhari and Muslim)

• The Prophet also forbade image-making, The Prophet also forbade image-making, which is how which is how shirkshirk began in history. Thus began in history. Thus by stopping this, he by stopping this, he (sallallaahu alayhi (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)wassallam) blocked one of the paths to blocked one of the paths to shirkshirk. The most severely punished on the . The most severely punished on the Day of Judgement will be those who tried Day of Judgement will be those who tried to imitate Allaah’s creation. (Bukhari)to imitate Allaah’s creation. (Bukhari)

• The Prophet The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)wassallam) commanded the commanded the companions to level all graves (which companions to level all graves (which are raised with monuments built on are raised with monuments built on them) and destroy images that they them) and destroy images that they came across. Ali ibn Abi Taalib told came across. Ali ibn Abi Taalib told Abu’l-Hayyaj al-Asadi to do this. Abu’l-Hayyaj al-Asadi to do this. (Saheeh Muslim).(Saheeh Muslim).

• During the Battle of Hunayn when some During the Battle of Hunayn when some of the new Muslims wanted a ‘Dhaat of the new Muslims wanted a ‘Dhaat Anwaat’ as the mushriks had one.Anwaat’ as the mushriks had one.

Ash-Shawkaanee said:Ash-Shawkaanee said:

““Shirk is to make du’a to other than Shirk is to make du’a to other than Allaah in matters in which only Allaah Allaah in matters in which only Allaah should be asked, or to believe that a should be asked, or to believe that a certain object has powers that only certain object has powers that only Allaah has, or to intend to please an Allaah has, or to intend to please an object with an act that should only be object with an act that should only be done for Allaah.”done for Allaah.”

Allaah says,Allaah says,

““So do not attribute to Allaah equals So do not attribute to Allaah equals while you know (that there is while you know (that there is

nothing similar to him).”nothing similar to him).”

{al-Baqarah (2): 22}{al-Baqarah (2): 22}

Therefore, Therefore, shirkshirk involves believing in a involves believing in a partner along with Allaah. Such a partner along with Allaah. Such a ‘partner’ could be in lordship ‘partner’ could be in lordship ((ruboobiyyahruboobiyyah) or in worship ) or in worship ((uloohiyyahuloohiyyah) or in attributes () or in attributes (asmaa’ asmaa’ wa’s-sifaatwa’s-sifaat).).

The essence of The essence of shirkshirk involves giving involves giving Allaah’s rights to other that Him.Allaah’s rights to other that Him.

To therefore claim that a certain object To therefore claim that a certain object or deity has the power to bless one or deity has the power to bless one with one’s needs is with one’s needs is shirkshirk..

To prostrate or make To prostrate or make du’adu’a to other than to other than Allaah is also Allaah is also shirkshirk..

To claim that any created object To claim that any created object knows everything, or can hear any knows everything, or can hear any plea directed to it, is plea directed to it, is shirkshirk. . Whenever any specific right of Whenever any specific right of Allaah is given to any other object, Allaah is given to any other object, whether that object be a living whether that object be a living being or an inanimate object, real being or an inanimate object, real or imagined, or imagined, shirkshirk has taken place. has taken place.

Tawheed Came Before Shirk:Tawheed Came Before Shirk:

Human beings were created upon the pure worship of Allaah, before they deviated into the practice of shirk and there are many proofs for this. Allaah created humans with a natural inclination (fitrah) which is ingrained in everyone, and guides people about right and wrong.

It is due to this that all peoples know It is due to this that all peoples know that murder, lying an stealing are evil that murder, lying an stealing are evil actions and that looking after people, actions and that looking after people, being kind to parents are good acts. being kind to parents are good acts. This This fitrahfitrah was placed in every single was placed in every single person at the time of Adam’s person at the time of Adam’s creation. When Allaah created Adam creation. When Allaah created Adam and the progeny of Adam, He made a and the progeny of Adam, He made a covenant with them. The covenant is covenant with them. The covenant is known as the known as the mithaaqmithaaq in Arabic, and in Arabic, and it specified that only Allaah is the it specified that only Allaah is the true Lord deserving of worship.true Lord deserving of worship.

Allaah says,Allaah says,

““And mention when your Lord took And mention when your Lord took from the children of Adam – from from the children of Adam – from

their loins – their descendents their loins – their descendents and made them testify of and made them testify of

themselves, (saying to them), themselves, (saying to them), “Am I not your Lord?” They said “Am I not your Lord?” They said “Yes, we have testified.” (This) – “Yes, we have testified.” (This) – lest you should say on the day of lest you should say on the day of

Resurrection, “Indeed, we were of Resurrection, “Indeed, we were of this unaware.”this unaware.”

{al-A’raaf (7): 172}{al-A’raaf (7): 172}

The The mithaaqmithaaq is referred to in the is referred to in the hadeeth where the Prophet hadeeth where the Prophet (sallallaahu (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)alayhi wassallam) narrated that Allaah narrated that Allaah said: “said: “I have created My servants, all of I have created My servants, all of them, pure (and inclined towards them, pure (and inclined towards worship), but the Shayaateen came and worship), but the Shayaateen came and diverted them from the religion. They diverted them from the religion. They prohibited them from matters that I prohibited them from matters that I allowed and commanded them to allowed and commanded them to associate partners with Me…”associate partners with Me…” (Saheeh (Saheeh Muslim).Muslim).

The The mithaaqmithaaq is ingrained into is ingrained into the subconscious of human the subconscious of human beings, even though they do not beings, even though they do not remember it. Allaah’s prophets remember it. Allaah’s prophets delivered the message of the delivered the message of the pure worship of Allaah, which is pure worship of Allaah, which is in the in the fitrahfitrah. So when a person . So when a person hears the prophet’s message, hears the prophet’s message, she/he becomes inclined she/he becomes inclined towards it, as it conforms with towards it, as it conforms with her/his natural way.her/his natural way.

•The Prophet The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)(sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) said: said: “Every child is born upon the fitrah; “Every child is born upon the fitrah; then his parents make him a Jew or a then his parents make him a Jew or a Christian.”Christian.” (Bukhaaree) (Bukhaaree)

• Ibn Qayyim Ibn Qayyim (raheemahullaah)(raheemahullaah) wrote: “The wrote: “The fitrahfitrah is open to knowledge of Islaam and the is open to knowledge of Islaam and the love of Islaam. The love of Islaam. The fitrahfitrah necessitates necessitates acknowledgement and love (of Allaah)…so acknowledgement and love (of Allaah)…so every single child is born in a state in which every single child is born in a state in which he or she acknowledges the Lordship (of he or she acknowledges the Lordship (of Allaah). So if the child were left without any Allaah). So if the child were left without any preventive factors, he would not turn away preventive factors, he would not turn away from the fitrah to anything else.” from the fitrah to anything else.” (Shifaa (Shifaa al-’Aleel). al-’Aleel).

The People of NoohThe People of Nooh

• The distinguished scholar of The distinguished scholar of hadeethhadeeth Shaykh Shaykh Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee ((raheemahullaah) raheemahullaah) stated stated “It is established in “It is established in Islaam and the Sharee’ah that mankind in Islaam and the Sharee’ah that mankind in the beginning was a single nation upon the beginning was a single nation upon true tawheed then shirk gradually true tawheed then shirk gradually overcame them. The basis for this is the overcame them. The basis for this is the saying of Allaah,saying of Allaah,

““Mankind was one Ummah then Allah Mankind was one Ummah then Allah sent the Prophets as bringers of sent the Prophets as bringers of

good tidings and warners”good tidings and warners”{al-Baqarah (2): 213}{al-Baqarah (2): 213}

• Ibn Abbaas, Ibn Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with may Allaah be pleased with himhim, said , said “between Prophet Nooh “between Prophet Nooh (Noah) and Aadam, peace be upon (Noah) and Aadam, peace be upon them both, were ten generations, all of them both, were ten generations, all of them were upon the Sharee’ah of truth, them were upon the Sharee’ah of truth, but then they differed. So Allaah sent but then they differed. So Allaah sent Prophets to bring good news and also Prophets to bring good news and also warn their people.” warn their people.”

• Shaykh al-Albaanee then went on to say Shaykh al-Albaanee then went on to say that this refutes the philosophers and that this refutes the philosophers and atheists who claim that the natural atheists who claim that the natural basis of man is basis of man is ShirkShirk, and that , and that TawheedTawheed evolved in man! evolved in man!

The Opposing Views (Evolution The Opposing Views (Evolution Model)Model)

• Religion began with humanity worshipping the forces of nature due to their amazement at the cataclysmic and devastating effects of their environments and the natural world. Thus, thunder, lightening, earthquakes, volcanoes etc were believed to be conceived of supernatural beings. Thus, humans sought ways to appease the beings through rites, rituals, prayers and sacrifices.

•The native North Americans, who The native North Americans, who believe in spirits of the river and believe in spirits of the river and of the forest, are used as of the forest, are used as examples of this early stage in examples of this early stage in the evolution of religion, known the evolution of religion, known as Animism. Eventually as Animism. Eventually DiathesisDiathesis emerged in which all of the emerged in which all of the supernatural powers were supernatural powers were confined in two main gods, confined in two main gods, usually a god of good and a god usually a god of good and a god of evil.of evil.

•According to the evolutionists, an According to the evolutionists, an example of this stage can be example of this stage can be seen in the religion of the seen in the religion of the Zoroastrians of Persia. When Zoroastrians of Persia. When tribes gave way to nations, tribal tribes gave way to nations, tribal gods in turn gave way to a gods in turn gave way to a national god and monotheism national god and monotheism was supposedly born. Thus, was supposedly born. Thus, according to this view, according to this view, monotheism has no divine origin. monotheism has no divine origin.

It was merely a by-product of the It was merely a by-product of the evolution of early man’s evolution of early man’s superstitions based on the lack superstitions based on the lack of scientific knowledge.of scientific knowledge.

What’s the evidence against this?What’s the evidence against this?

The evidence which proves that The evidence which proves that humanity’s monotheistic concept of One humanity’s monotheistic concept of One God degenerated into idol-worship, man-God degenerated into idol-worship, man-worship, saint worship, and minor gods is worship, saint worship, and minor gods is extensive. Islaam believes that humans extensive. Islaam believes that humans beings started out as worshipping God beings started out as worshipping God alone then after deviated into various alone then after deviated into various forms of polytheism as have just been forms of polytheism as have just been mentioned. Islaam holds that God sent mentioned. Islaam holds that God sent Messengers to all the tribes and nations Messengers to all the tribes and nations of the Earth to guide them back to the of the Earth to guide them back to the path of monotheism. path of monotheism.

“We (Allaah) indeed sent to every nation Messengers

(saying) “worship Allaah and leave aside Taghoot (false

deities)”

{an-Nahl (16): 36}

• Thus, we find amongst all of the so-Thus, we find amongst all of the so-called primitive tribes that have been called primitive tribes that have been discovered, the belief in One Supreme discovered, the belief in One Supreme God. The central America Mayans God. The central America Mayans believe in One God who created believe in One God who created everything, whom they call everything, whom they call ‘Itzamna,’ ‘Itzamna,’ [1] the the MendeMende peoples of Sierra Leone peoples of Sierra Leone in West Africa believe in One God who in West Africa believe in One God who created the universe and spirits who created the universe and spirits who they call they call ‘Ngewo,’‘Ngewo,’[2] [1] John Hinnels, John Hinnels, Dictionary of Dictionary of ReligionsReligions (Penguin Books: 1884), p. 93 (Penguin Books: 1884), p. 93

• [2] ibid, p.210[2] ibid, p.210

• in the ancient Babylon the main deity in the ancient Babylon the main deity of the city, of the city, ‘Marduk,’‘Marduk,’[1] was seen as was seen as the Supreme God. In Hinduism, the Supreme God. In Hinduism, ‘‘Brahman’Brahman’ is the impersonal Eternal is the impersonal Eternal Absolute One God having no Absolute One God having no beginning and no end.beginning and no end.[2] [1] ibid, p.204 ibid, p.204

• [2] ibid, p.68[2] ibid, p.68

In the Yoruba religion, followed by over In the Yoruba religion, followed by over 10 million people in West Africa 10 million people in West Africa (mainly Nigeria), there is One (mainly Nigeria), there is One Supreme God, Supreme God, Olorius/OlodumareOlorius/Olodumare (The Lord of the Heavens). (The Lord of the Heavens). Nevertheless, modern Nevertheless, modern YorubaYoruba religion religion is characterised by a multitude of is characterised by a multitude of OrishaOrisha worship rites which thus worship rites which thus render the religion closer to render the religion closer to polytheism. polytheism.

One of the first Western scholars to One of the first Western scholars to acknowledge the significance of the acknowledge the significance of the trend from monotheism to extreme trend from monotheism to extreme polytheism was Stephen Langdon of polytheism was Stephen Langdon of Oxford. Oxford.

Wilhelm Schmidt discovered in his Wilhelm Schmidt discovered in his studies that he found the primitive studies that he found the primitive cultures at the lowest cultural levels cultures at the lowest cultural levels had the purer concepts of God. had the purer concepts of God. According to Schmidt we find this According to Schmidt we find this form of belief among the Pygmies of form of belief among the Pygmies of central Africa, the south-eastern central Africa, the south-eastern Australian Aborigines, the native Australian Aborigines, the native Americas of north-central California, Americas of north-central California, the primitive Algonquians, and to a the primitive Algonquians, and to a certain extent the Koryaks and Ainu.certain extent the Koryaks and Ainu.

Sameul Zwemer spoke of the Sameul Zwemer spoke of the monotheistic character of the monotheistic character of the Bushmen, as well as many peoples of Bushmen, as well as many peoples of the Arctic cultures which he the Arctic cultures which he maintained is maintained is “Clear…even to a “Clear…even to a cursory examination.”cursory examination.”[1] [1] Samuel Zwemer, Samuel Zwemer, “The Origin of “The Origin of Religion – By Evolution or by Religion – By Evolution or by Revelation,”Revelation,” (Trans. Vict. Institute, (Trans. Vict. Institute, Volume 67; 1937) p. 189Volume 67; 1937) p. 189

Dangers of ShirkDangers of Shirk

1. Shirk is the only unforgivable sin in the sight of Allaah,

“Indeed, Allaah does not forgive association with Him, but He

forgives what is less than that for whomever He wills.”

{an-Nisaa (4): 116}

If a person dies practicing shirk, or not having repented from it, they will not be forgiven.

2. Shirk prohibits a person from entering Paradise,“Indeed, he who associates others with Allaah – Allaah has forbidden

him Paradise.”{al-Maa’idah (5): 72}

3. Shirk is so evil that it destroys all of a person’s good deeds,

“And it was already revealed to you and to those before you that if you should associate (anything) with Allaah, your work would surely

become worthless, and you would surely be among the losers.”

{az-Zumar (39): 65}

The Prophet The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam)wassallam) said said “Do not commit “Do not commit shirk with Allaah, even if you are cut shirk with Allaah, even if you are cut into pieces, or burnt.”into pieces, or burnt.” (Ibn Maajah) (Ibn Maajah)

Knowing ShirkKnowing Shirk

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman said “The Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman said “The companions would ask the Prophet about companions would ask the Prophet about good, but I would ask about evil as I was good, but I would ask about evil as I was scared that I might fall into it.” (Muslim)scared that I might fall into it.” (Muslim)

A poet said,A poet said,

Learn evil so as to avoid it,Learn evil so as to avoid it,

Whoever does not know evil from good, will Whoever does not know evil from good, will fall into it (i.e. evil)fall into it (i.e. evil)

Categories of ShirkCategories of Shirk

ShirkShirk is not of one type and can be put into is not of one type and can be put into different categories which each look at different categories which each look at shirkshirk from a different view:from a different view:

FIRST: a category that looks at FIRST: a category that looks at shirkshirk in relation in relation to to tawheedtawheed..

SECOND: a category that looks at SECOND: a category that looks at shirkshirk from its from its various levels.various levels.

THIRD: apparent or hidden THIRD: apparent or hidden shirkshirk..

Shirk in the Categories of TawheedShirk in the Categories of Tawheed

1. 1. ShirkShirk in in RuboobiyyahRuboobiyyah. As . As Tawheed ar-Tawheed ar-RuboobiyyahRuboobiyyah means affirming the Existence means affirming the Existence and Actions of Allaah, there are a number of and Actions of Allaah, there are a number of ways in which ways in which shirkshirk can take place in it. can take place in it.

a.a. Shirk Shirk by denial:by denial:i.i. Denying that creation has a Creator. Denying that creation has a Creator. ii.ii. Denying the perfect existence of Allaah by Denying the perfect existence of Allaah by

denying His Names and Attributes. denying His Names and Attributes.

Denying all of Allaah’s Names and Attributes is Denying all of Allaah’s Names and Attributes is denial of Allaah’s Lordship, even if a person denial of Allaah’s Lordship, even if a person verbally acknowledges the existence of Allaah. verbally acknowledges the existence of Allaah. Everything that exists must be characterised by Everything that exists must be characterised by certain attributes that distinguish it from other certain attributes that distinguish it from other things.things.

iii.iii. Denying the rights that He is entitled to such Denying the rights that He is entitled to such as claiming that Allaah is one with creation or as claiming that Allaah is one with creation or that the universe is eternal.that the universe is eternal.

This is like the theory of This is like the theory of wahdat ul-wujoodwahdat ul-wujood (unity of existence) perinialism and pantheism. (unity of existence) perinialism and pantheism. Such a the sufis Ibn Arabi and al-Hallaaj and Such a the sufis Ibn Arabi and al-Hallaaj and other extremist other extremist sufissufis..

b. b. Shirk Shirk by affirmation – when one affirms by affirmation – when one affirms another creator or lord besides Allaah. Certain another creator or lord besides Allaah. Certain extreme quasi-Islamic sects fall into this when extreme quasi-Islamic sects fall into this when they consider that their religious leaders can they consider that their religious leaders can control the universe; and have the power to control the universe; and have the power to give life & death.give life & death.

Tawheed in Uloohiyyah means that acts of Tawheed in Uloohiyyah means that acts of worship are directed to Allaah only. Thus, to worship are directed to Allaah only. Thus, to direct any act of worship to other than Allaah direct any act of worship to other than Allaah is an example of is an example of shirkshirk in in UloohiyyahUloohiyyah. . Examples of acts of worship that are due only Examples of acts of worship that are due only to Allaah are du’aa, prayer, prostration, vows to Allaah are du’aa, prayer, prostration, vows and oaths. and oaths. ShirkShirk in in UloohiyyahUloohiyyah is the most is the most common type of common type of shirkshirk amongst people. amongst people.

2. Shirk in Uloohiyyah

Tawheed al-Asmaa wa’s-SifaatTawheed al-Asmaa wa’s-Sifaat involves affirming for Allaah involves affirming for Allaah the Most beautiful Names and Perfect Attributes. So the Most beautiful Names and Perfect Attributes. So shirkshirk within this category can take place in a number of ways:within this category can take place in a number of ways:

a.a. By comparing Allaah to the creation.By comparing Allaah to the creation.b.b. By comparing creation to Allaah, when creation is given By comparing creation to Allaah, when creation is given

the Names and Attributes that belong solely to Allaah. So the Names and Attributes that belong solely to Allaah. So to claim that a certain saint knows everything, or can hear to claim that a certain saint knows everything, or can hear the plea of any worshipper, is in fact the plea of any worshipper, is in fact shirkshirk is is Asmaa wa’s-Asmaa wa’s-SifaatSifaat..

3. Shirk in Asmaa wa’s-Sifaat

c. By deriving the names of idols from Allaah’s names, c. By deriving the names of idols from Allaah’s names, this was the practice of the this was the practice of the JaahiliyyahJaahiliyyah Arabs. Arabs.

The Qur’aan mentions shirk in these three categories, The Qur’aan mentions shirk in these three categories, Allaah says,Allaah says,

““Say, (O Muhammad), “Invoke those you Say, (O Muhammad), “Invoke those you claim (as deities) besides Allaah.” they do claim (as deities) besides Allaah.” they do not possess an atom’s weight (of ability) in not possess an atom’s weight (of ability) in

the heavens or on the earth, and they do not the heavens or on the earth, and they do not have therein any partnership (with Him), have therein any partnership (with Him),

nor is there for Him from among them any nor is there for Him from among them any assistant.”assistant.”

{Saba’ (34): 22}{Saba’ (34): 22}

A verse which mentions A verse which mentions shirkshirk in in UloohiyyahUloohiyyah is,is,

““So whoever would hope for the meeting So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous with his Lord – let him do righteous

work and not associate (work and not associate (yushrikyushrik) in the ) in the worship of his Lord anyone.”worship of his Lord anyone.”

{al-Kahf (18): 110}{al-Kahf (18): 110}

ShirkShirk in in Asmaa wa’s-SifaatAsmaa wa’s-Sifaat is also negated is also negated frequently in the Qur’aan,frequently in the Qur’aan,

““And He does not share in His legislation And He does not share in His legislation with anyone”with anyone”

{al-Kahf (18): 26}{al-Kahf (18): 26}

““And there is no equal to him”And there is no equal to him”

{al-Ikhlaas (112): 4}{al-Ikhlaas (112): 4}

Major and Minor ShirkMajor and Minor Shirk

In the Qur’aan and In the Qur’aan and sunnahsunnah, it can be seen , it can be seen that that shirkshirk is not all of one level. The is not all of one level. The Prophet Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)(sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, said, “The matter I fear for you most is “The matter I fear for you most is minor shirk – riya (showing off).”minor shirk – riya (showing off).” (Musnad Ahmad)(Musnad Ahmad)

Major Major shirkshirk is that of making partners with is that of making partners with Allaah. Minor Allaah. Minor shirkshirk is that which does not is that which does not expel one from Islaam. Examples are showing expel one from Islaam. Examples are showing off, giving an oath by using a name other than off, giving an oath by using a name other than Allaah’s Names (such as swearing “by jove”, Allaah’s Names (such as swearing “by jove”, by one’s parents, or one’s honour – this exalts by one’s parents, or one’s honour – this exalts an object that is not worthy), and attributing an object that is not worthy), and attributing occurrences to creation by saying for example, occurrences to creation by saying for example, “were it not for the policeman, we would have “were it not for the policeman, we would have been robbed.” been robbed.”

Causes of ShirkCauses of ShirkExaggeration – Going to extremes with regards

to pious people and objects. Raising their status and transgressing the bounds. The Prophet said “Beware of extremism, for the people before you were destroyed due to it.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Ibn Qayyim said: “Of the primary causes of idol-worship is the exaggeration of the created. So a person is raised above his actual status until he is worshipped.”

• Callers to Evil – who influence people with false arguments and eloquence.

• Following Ancestors and Culture – one of the main causes of shirk is due to many people not questioning the beliefs of their forefathers, or the religion of their society. Allaah says,

“And when it is said to them: ‘Follow what has been revealed by Allaah’, they respond,

‘Rather, we will follow what we found our forefathers doing.”

{al-Baqarah (2): 170}

• Shaytaan beautifies shirk, and acts of shirk thus become romanticised.

• Incorrect comparisons – the first to do this was Iblees when he felt that he was better than Adam, merely because he was created from fire and Adam was created from clay.

1. Comparing the creation to the Creator, by giving any object of creation attributes that belong solely to Allaah.

2. Comparing the Creator to the created.

For example, some say “Just like an average person cannot approach a king except through a minister or aide, so too it is not possible for a sinful person’s du’a to be answered until he goes through a Prophet or saint.” Thus, Allaah is compared to a king!? This analogy is in fact a proof against those who try to use it!

3. Comparing pious people to prophets. Some people try to seek “blessings” or “barakah” from ‘saints’ or ‘marabouts’ or ‘pirs’ or ‘shaykhs’. Yet this was a special matter exclusive to the Prophet, the companions did not attempt to seek blessings from Aboo Bakr, ‘Umar or any of the major companions.

4. Comparing the life of dead prophets with the life of the living. The belief that prophets are alive in their graves continuing a life similar to the life of this world drives many people to ask dead prophets (alayhim-salaam) for favours and du’as. The type of life that a prophet enjoys after his death is completely different to the one that we experience in this world, to say that they are the same leads to shirk. There is no evidence that the prophets can hear conversations that take place at their graves.

The only matter that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) stated reaches him after death is the sending of salutations upon him, for Allaah has assigned special angels to bring him these salaams. Other than that there is no evidence that requests reach him as well, henceforth, none of the companions ever requested any matter from him after his death.

A Common Doubt A Common Doubt

“How can you compare the Prophet or AbdulQaadir al-Jeelaanee to idols?”

The response to this is in emphasising the fact that shirk is not dependent upon who is worshipped, but the fact that other than Allaah is being worshipped.

Imaam as-San’anee quote.